Anders Zorn
1860-1920 |
The Self-Portraits of Anders Zorn
The great Swedish master looks into the mirror.
nders Zorn (1860-1920) occupies an enviable place in art history.
His name is invariably included in an illustrious quartet of late
nineteenth-century/early twentieth century masters of the art of
premier coup (direct stroke) oil technique. The four names which
are customarily linked are: John Singer Sargent (American), Joaquin
Sorolla (Spanish), Giovanni Boldini (Italian) and Zorn (Scandinavian).
Legion were (and are) the painters who have attempted this very
difficult and demanding technique, but these four, working contemporaneously,
were the standard-bearers of the discipline in their era.
Zorn's work is always exciting. His draftsmanship is superb. His
brushwork is fresh, direct and animated. His compositions are frequently
unconventional. For the working artist who needs inspiration to
free his hand from hesitation and restraint, Zorn is the perfect
artist to study. Here are four examples of his brilliant work, all
self-portraits:
 |
1. Self-Portrait With Sculpture
Painted at 29, this portrait
vividly exhibits the Zorn trademark of extraordinarily
free brushwork, with a decided rhythm of strokes blending
from one form into another, across the edges or contours.
The light here is falling from a high source (possible
a skylight). This painting, like many Zorn works, includes
a strong story-telling aspect — the young artist
is shown in his studio surrounded by elements of his
art: the back of a large stretched canvas and a sculpture
work-in-progress.
The working artist will
note that the very evident brushstrokes all move in
the direction of the form (i.e., down the lapels and
the front of the coat, across the forehead and cheekbones.
Oil on canvas,
29 x 25 inches
(74.5cm x 62.5cm)
Uffizzi, Florence
|
| page 1
2 3 4 |
|
The story of Anders Zorn is one
of a journey from poverty and anonymity to wealth and international
fame. He was born February 18, 1860 in Mora, Sweden. Through the generosity
of friends, he was able to enter the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in
Stockholm, and at the age of 18 he sold his first painting, Zorn showed
an early proficiency in portraiture.
By the age of 22, Zorn had established
himself as a professional portraitist in London. In 1888, Zorn, by
then married, moved to Paris and made numerous friends, including
Renoir, Degas, Rodin, and the Americans Sargent and Whistler.
In 1893, Zorn made the first of seven
trips to the United States, and developed a flourishing portrait clientele.
Among his sitters were Presidents Cleveland and Taft.
Zorn died at his home in Mora on August
22, 1920.
|
sanden
commentary index